ridicule

noun

rid·i·cule | \ˈri-də-ˌkyül

Definition of ridicule

(Entry 1 of 2)

: the act of ridiculing : derision, mockery

ridicule

verb

ridiculed; ridiculing

Definition of ridicule (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to make fun of

Other Words from ridicule Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about ridicule

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Synonyms for ridicule

Synonyms: Noun

derision, mockery, sport

Synonyms: Verb

deride, gibe (or jibe), jeer, laugh (at), mock, scout, shoot down, skewer

Choose the Right Synonym for ridicule

Verb

ridicule, deride, mock, taunt mean to make an object of laughter of. ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling. consistently ridiculed everything she said deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule. derided their efforts to start their own business mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference. youngsters began to mock the helpless wino taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge. hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Examples of ridicule in a Sentence

Noun

She didn't show anyone her artwork for fear of ridicule. the early efforts by the suffragists to obtain voting rights for women were met with ridicule

Verb

The other kids ridiculed him for the way he dressed. They ridiculed all of her suggestions.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The bureau’s chairman drew ridicule during Mr Sharif’s trial by launching an investigation into whether the ex-PM had laundered almost $5bn through India as prime minister. — The Economist, "Pakistan’s former prime minister embraces jail to rally his party," 12 July 2018 That effort to placate has only invited a new round of ridicule from honey and maple syrup producers, who see the FDA effort as the epitome of Washington bureaucrats run amok. — Alex Gailey, BostonGlobe.com, "A battle is happening over whether natural maple syrup has added sugar," 14 June 2018 His reported taste for sirens and flashing lights, bulletproof cars and soundproof phone booths has also invited ridicule from critics. — Noah Bierman, latimes.com, "White House says it will move on with border plan — with or without California," 6 Apr. 2018 Rather, the lowering the helmet penalty/potential ejection rule has drawn predictable ridicule from fans, media and players concerned about changing the game. — Andrew Brandt, SI.com, "How Beckham Jr.’s Situation Will Likely Play Out, Suh and Bradford Win Business of Football," 3 Apr. 2018 The comments drew ridicule from physicians, among others, who assured Santorum that learning CPR wouldn’t save victims of a mass shooting. — Meagan Flynn, Washington Post, "‘Mr. Santorum, CPR doesn’t work if all the blood is on the ground.’," 26 Mar. 2018 While some admire Dershowitz for sticking to his opinion despite the ridicule, others have responded with sarcastic pity. — Renae Reints, Fortune, "Alan Dershowitz’s Martha's Vineyard Neighbors Are Shunning Him for Defending Donald Trump," 3 July 2018 Yet the handlers have a fascinating ability to withstand torrents of abuse and ridicule. — Julia Duin, WSJ, "Christian Serpent-Handlers Protect Us All," 12 July 2018 Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been vocal in his support of current goalkeeper Loris Karius over the past week, with the German still the subject of criticism and ridicule following his disastrous performance in the Champions League final. — SI.com, "Barcelona Goalkeeper Prepared to Submit Transfer Request Amid Rumours of Liverpool Interest," 9 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Multicoin, which owns EOS tokens, released a bullish analysis of the cryptocurrency about a month after comedian John Oliver ridiculed the project on his HBO show Last Week Tonight. — Jen Wieczner, Fortune, "Cryptocurrency Hedge Fund Gets VC Fred Wilson's Backing Amid Bitcoin Slump," 20 June 2018 And while ridiculing the West’s faith in democracy may be plenty of fun for Putin at the moment, it’s also been accompanied by sanctions that have taken a real bite out of the Russian economy. — Ian Bremmer, Time, "Vladimir Putin Is About to Win a Fourth Term. Here's What He's Promised Russia," 16 Mar. 2018 The specter of the government coming to take your guns, an idea often ridiculed on the left, is a very powerful one on the right — just witness the booming firearm sales throughout President Obama’s tenure. — Benjamin Hart, Daily Intelligencer, "‘Gun Control’ Has Outlived Its Usefulness," 24 Feb. 2018 Moore said that transgender people are frequently shamed and ridiculed when out in public, including on public transit or when seeking medical care. — Monique Judge, The Root, "Tonya Harvey Is 3rd Transgender Woman Killed in US in 2018," 10 Feb. 2018 Many patients with gynecomastia speak about being ridiculed because of their condition. — Emma Sarran Webster, Allure, "Why More Men Are Getting Breast Reduction Surgery for Gynecomastia," 31 Jan. 2018 The Taurus has had multiple generations of design—including the third version in 1996 that was ridiculed for its oval shape. — Sarah Gray, Fortune, "Goodbye to the Ford Taurus, the Chariot of my Childhood," 26 Apr. 2018 In 2016, Democrats ridiculed Senator Mitch McConnell's maneuver to deny Obama appointee, Merrick Garland, a vote before the election. — NBC News, "Meet the Press - July 1, 2018," 1 July 2018 The film was widely ridiculed following the summit, with late night comics and even the New York Times getting in on the act with spoof versions of their own. — Euan Mckirdy, CNN, "Destiny Pictures founder claims mistaken identity, distances himself from Trump video," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ridicule.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.